Those who claim Christmas comes only once a year haven't been to the University of Dayton. The year's biggest event is so important to our calendar, all students receive the day off from class to prepare for Christmas on Campus.
Each year around December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, thousands of University students crowd campus and celebrate, giving everyone a night to remember. Students "adopt" local school children and treat them to candy and cookies, carnival games and prizes, musicians, jugglers, storytellers, singers, dancers and magicians. Thousands of lights decorate the student neighborhood, making it resemble row after row of gingerbread houses. Students raise money and give donations for the school supplies drive. People sing carols and give gifts. They ooh and ahh at the tree lighting ceremony.
And at the end of the evening, the community unites at the culminating Mass to give thanks for the Feast Day and all of the joy, hope and — most importantly — spirit of giving it creates.
Each year around December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, thousands of University students crowd campus and celebrate, giving everyone a night to remember. Students "adopt" local school children and treat them to candy and cookies, carnival games and prizes, musicians, jugglers, storytellers, singers, dancers and magicians. Thousands of lights decorate the student neighborhood, making it resemble row after row of gingerbread houses. Students raise money and give donations for the school supplies drive. People sing carols and give gifts. They ooh and ahh at the tree lighting ceremony.
And at the end of the evening, the community unites at the culminating Mass to give thanks for the Feast Day and all of the joy, hope and — most importantly — spirit of giving it creates.